Bishops’ offices raided over child abuse investigation in BelgiumJanuary 16, 2012 - 19:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Belgian authorities have raided the administrative offices of three bishops as part of an ongoing child abuse investigation. Church spokesman Geert Lesage says the offices cooperated during the raids and handed over requested files as much as possible. In 2010, authorities raided church offices in a move that was highly criticized by the Vatican. The June raid was declared excessive by a Belgian court, but the government said the investigation could continue. Lesage said Monday, January 16 it is still unclear what exactly the authorities were seeking. Over the past two years, more than 500 witnesses have come forward with accounts of molestation by Catholic clergy in Belgium, spanning several decades. The Belgian church is also leading an investigation into the allegations, AP reported.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty  Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations.Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |
